UPASANA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Kathak at Upasana
Kathak is a form of North Indian classical dance that dates back to approximately 200 BC. The name originates from the Sanskrit word Kathakar which translates to “storyteller.” Although abhinaya (creative expression) is the foundation of the art form, during the period of Mughal rule, a new manner of technical movement was introduced. Visually striking chakkars (spins) and tatkar (footwork) became the building blocks for what we refer to as sudha nritya (pure dance). After centuries of such evolution, today, three gharanas (styles/forms) of Kathak remain: Jaipur, Lucknow, and Banaras.
From the village streets, to the palace courts, to the brightly lit stages of today, one might ask, “Where does a studio in Nashville, TN, fit into the narrative?” Established in 2003 by Guru Sonia Chaudhuri, Upasana Performing Arts Center is proud to be the only cultural institution for Kathak education in the state of Tennessee. Since the school’s conception, Upasana has strived to offer students authentic Lucknow gharana training in conjunction with Jaipur gharana curriculum. Through various modalities, we aim to instill respect for tradition, cultural awareness, discipline, and inner expression through Kathak - marrying the past, present, and future.
Our Philosophy
Inspired by her training in Montessori and dance education, Sonia Chaudhuri’s approach to Kathak pedagogy is multifaceted. The goal is to aid dancers by increasing their cognitive flexibility, physical adaptability, and artistic repertoire.
In consideration of the complex and nuanced history of the art form, a secular approach to teaching Kathak is a fundamental part of Upasana’s ethos. The implications of this can be seen both in our routine operation and creative projects. As artists, we do not discriminate based on language, religious affiliation, region, etc. Our dancers are exposed to pieces such as bhajans, Sufi music, thumris, vandanas, ghazals, semi-classical, and even on occasion, Bollywood. The desire is for students to foster both respect and appreciation for Kathak in all its diversity.